Our Mission

Common global challenges, such as cli­mate change, population growth or water scarcity, call for innovative scientific ideas and interdisciplinary and intersectoral solutions. Addressing those crucial issues, the DAAD Office Cairo successfully launched COSIMENA (Clusters of Scientific Innovation in the Middle East and North Africa) setting up various issue driven clusters in the fields of water, energy, health, agriculture, economy, urbanism and cultural heritage. The aim of the project is to intensify scientific collaboration and increase the visibility of networks between researchers and universities in Germany and countries of the Middle East and North Africa. To build on existing partnerships, COSIMENA is harnessing synergies between DAAD funded projects, alumni and partner institutions that can be expanded to the whole MENA region.

Our Activities

In the scope of COSIMENA the DAAD Office Cairo realises various interdisciplinary events on current issues in science and innovation, such as workshops, conferences, round-table dis­cussions, the German Science Day, the COSIMENA Science Night and a Summer School. The several activities aim to bring together various stakeholders from science, business, government and civil society. Especially young scientists are promoted and supported through networking opportunities.

Contact: cosimenadaadcairo.org

Find all last year's reports in our annual brochure here: www.daad.eg/cosimena-2017

COSIMENA Activities

COSIMENA's activities stretch beyond cluster oriented activities. The approach towards interdisciplinarity in all fields and the connection of the German research landscapes with the MENA region manifests itself in different events throughout the year.

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Agriculture Cluster

In February 2018 COSIMENA launched its 6th cluster of scientific innovation in the presence of over 60 experts in food, agriculture, agrieconomics and policy making.

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Cultural Heritage Cluster

Cultural Heritage Cluster

In May 2018 COSIMENA launched its 7th cluster of scientific innovation, focused on bringing together scientists from all disciplines who teach and do research on various topics within the field of Cultural Heritage.

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Economy Cluster

In May 2017 the DAAD Cairo Office hosted its first Economy Cluster event. COSIMENA organised a roundtable on Science and Business to discuss the developments and challenges regarding the cooperation between academia and the private sector in Egypt.

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Energy Cluster

In October 2017 the DAAD organised a Solar Energy Exhibition to kick off COSIMENA’s Energy Cluster with a networking event. The high number of exhibited posters and participants reflected the great interest. With this in mind, the DAAD hosted an Energy Efficiency Conference in November.

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Health Cluster

In July 2017 the DAAD Cairo Office launched the Health Cluster with its first Health Cluster Conference. Throughout the entire year COSIMENA organised various events such as two Public Health Courses in Sudan and Egypt, two events raising awareness of noncommunicable diseases and an Expert Session on German-Egyptian Research Cooperation.

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Urbanism Cluster Logo

Urbanism Cluster

COSIMENA’s first Urbanism Kick-Off event took place at the first international conference “Towards a Better Quality of Life” in November. The three-day event provided a platform to discuss the broad aspects of sustainable urban development and by setting up a first thematic framework for the cluster.

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Water Cluster

In 2017 the Water Cluster became part of COSIMENA. It was first presented at the 20th International Water Technology Conference in Hurghada in May. The three-day event was attended by more than 200 participants from the Middle East, Africa and European countries.

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